Have not yet used but observed the grill before buying it and it appears to be very solid product and better design then the $50 more Weber. Also got great deal due to price match plus 10% from same Menards item. Also got two free bags of Kingsfordcharcoal. Must buy before 7/5 to get the above deal.
It's only missing an upper warming rack, otherwise gets 5 stars.
Very nice grill!

Shield

2 months ago

Seriously consider this kettle

Note: I wish I could have given 4.5 stars...1/2 star off for cheap hardware (see details below).
I've only used this grill twice. I normally wouldn't write a review this soon since there's still a lot I haven't had time to evaluate yet but because there are very few reviews online that I could find that weren't written by someone sponsored by Char-Broil, I thought I would go ahead. I am comparing my experience with the Kettleman to a similar-sized kettle grill made by the other company that dominates the kettle grill space that I used for 8 years. Bottom line: I had a very good experience with the other brand kettle BUT I am happy that I chose the Kettleman this time.
Pros: For starters, it's $30 cheaper than the comparable competitor model (with the thermometer and enclosed ash catcher) at the Lowe's in my town. Second, I like the hinged lid a lot. Third, I really like the design of the grill grate and how the charcoal sits close underneath. Grill marks are impressive and I've grilled burgers and steaks with absolutely zero hint of flareups (with the lid open or closed). Fourth, I like the storage rack thing underneath...it's a nice place to lay the grate while I'm getting the charcoal ready.
Grilling: So far, I love it. It will take a little getting used to. Temperature control is different than my prior grill but following the included cooking instructions is a great place to start. I'm skeptical that I'll use much less charcoal in this one than my old grill like they advertise but that wasn't a big selling point for me. Temperature seems to be more consistent across all areas of the grate than the old grill. As mentioned above, great sear marks and zero flareups.
Quality: I can't say much definitively about quality at this point because I've only owned it a couple of days but I'll share what I think so far. The body of the kettle and all of the grates, etc. seem to be well-made and sturdy (it seems about equivalent quality to my prior grill). The legs are sturdy and the lid is well-designed. Overall, I expect it to last quite awhile.
Complaints: My only complaint is that some of the hardware included with the grill is cheap. When I was attaching the legs to the kettle body, I easily stripped one of the screws (I was using a small ratchet and hand tightening only). After that I was extremely careful but later on I still stripped one of the bolts/nuts that secures the wind guard to the back of the kettle (again, hand tightening only with a small ratchet). It stayed in place but was a little lose so I ended up spending $3 to get replacement stainless steel bolts, washers, and nuts to use to attach the wind guard. I recommend doing this...the lid attaches to the wind guard so I think in the long run I'll be happy I have higher quality bolts securing this to the kettle. I didn't replace the bolts for the legs and they are sturdy right now (the rack helps stabilize them as well) but I will keep an eye on these as I go.
Packaging/setup: the grill was well-packaged. I bought mine in-store but wouldn't hesitate to order one shipped. Setup was relatively easy (other than the stripped screws). I'd recommend allowing around 30 to 45 minutes to be safe. It helps a lot to have a second pair of hands in a couple of spots. Also, when you're installing the legs, I suggest only tightening the front leg initially. Then, loosely attach one of the back legs and go ahead and put on the storage rack before attaching the third leg. There are no words in the assembly instructions, only pictures, but they were relatively easy to follow.

Gregster

4 months ago

Best charcoal grill you'd find anywhere.

I bought this grill from Lowes a few days ago and so car it's treated me better than any of beers grills. I will never go back to any other grill Company.

I bought this bar-b-que because i bought one in 1998 and it lasted 16 years. It does great ribs, fajitas, steaks, smoked sauage, and burgers. It has all of the features that I need.

TheGrillGoddess

1 year ago

You Own the Summer!

I have had this grill for over a year and I love it! You have room for two full racks of ribs or a boatload of chicken and burgers or a celebration of veggies that can cook at their proper temperatures thanks to two levels of grilling or smoking genius!

Tabor

1 year ago

Awesome Grill

This grill cooks food better than I could imagine. I have grilled steaks, smoked ribs, chickens, turkeys, and all kinds of vegetables. It burns evenly, helps the coals stay hot longer and shows no sign of wear even after a year.

Outstanding charcoal grill. The standard by which all other grills are judged. I have owned 2 over the past 30 years and wouldn't use anything else. The heavy cast iron construction maintains heat well. There are 4 settings for adjusting the coals so you can cook everything from steaks to boston butts. The only negative thing I can say is, it is difficult to attach the top to the base without having 2 men. One must hold the top while one attaches the hooks to the top and the base at the same time. It is very difficult and took me up to 30 minutes each time. It looks easy but it ISN'T. The grill is definitely worth the hassle of attaching the top though. It might be worth it to have Charbroil assemble it if the fee is reasonable.

Stony

12 months ago

Best Grill, and it is so easy to ajust

My father bought one around 1960, not sure of the year but its close. My brother still has it and its just like new. This boy is not cheep junk, although they lightened up the grates from the early model they work. Tried to get the one from my brother but he wouldn't sell it to me, he uses some green junk think. 9000 lbs. So I bought this one from Char-Broil. You need to make some air closer for the bottom air intake, and I have a shop, so make a add on smoker. You won't be sorry. Except for the lighter grates I would give it a 5 star.

mike beach

1 week ago

best all around grill ever

so the family grill is a 940 from 1971 and it is still going, got new grates last year. I don't think I can wear it out. it cooks the best steak ever